Yeah, we don’t know where this year has gone either. It’s November, which means in a few short weeks, we hit the holidays and the swan song for 2021. For those who had enough QT at home last year, we have six places to get away for the long Thanksgiving weekend. These spots — from Mustique to California and beyond — are where to travel for Thanksgiving.
The Destination: Mustique
Why to go
First, occasion or no occasion, Mustique is always a good idea. For Thanksgiving, though, Mustique really shines. The island is made up of lavish villas that are standalone hotels. It’s as luxury as it gets, but with a witty and fun British finish. Each villa includes a full staff plus private chef to make the best Thanksgiving dinner of your life.
At this time of year, there are just enough people on isle to make it festive and fun. You may run into Mick (Jagger), Tommy (Hilfiger), maybe even Prince William and Duchess Kate (though they usually vacation here earlier in the year). The weather is perfect, the beaches are combed at 7 a.m. every day by the island staff, and it’s a week to get quality time in with family. This is one of the very best experiences in all of the Caribbean and a great place to travel for Thanksgiving.
Stay: Villa Palm Beach, which gets you right on the sand.
The Destination: Santa Barbara
Why to go
Over 300+ days of perfect sunshine is a pretty good reason to make Santa Barbara a Thanksgiving travel destination. Santa Barbara, about two hours from Los Angeles, is like a utopian world unto itself. Stunning mountains, beautiful beaches and the Pacific Ocean frame the area. There’s every active adventure you can think of, from hiking to biking and, yes, wine tasting counts too. The nearby towns are as quaint as can be, and the restaurants and food are sublime. Then there’s Montecito, the crown jewel which is home to Oprah and Harry and Meghan. There are no worries when relaxing in Santa Barbara.
Stay: The Belmond El Encanto, Rosewood Miramar Beach or Straus Haus.
The Destination: Napa
Why to go
Turkey and wine? Yes, that’s a winning combination. Napa during the fall has glorious, sunny weather. Without the summer crowds, it’s a restful retreat to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends. Thanksgiving dinner will never taste better if the likes of a Michelin-starred chef prepares your meal. It doesn’t end there, either, as there’s a whole weekend of wine tasting, relaxation and excellent restaurants to kick off the holiday season. Napa is not only a good place for Thanksgiving but also an excellent domestic Christmas to New Year option as well.
Stay: The newly opened Four Seasons.
The Destination: Chicago
Why to go
We know, the weather can be cold. But for Thanksgiving time, you can also look at it as a time to be cozy, with a hot apple cider in hand. Walk the Christmas markets at Daley Square. Watch the lighting of Michigan Avenue. And take in a stroll through outdoor Lincoln Park Zoo. This is also a foodie city, where there are top restaurants for indulging during the holidays. In addition, there are a multitude of family-friendly activities, like the world-class science and art museums that are really only topped by the Smithsonian. Chicago is also where you can kick off your holiday shopping for everyone on your list.
Stay: The Peninsula Chicago. Chicago has some of the best hotels of any US city.
The Destination: NYC
Why to go
If you didn’t get the memo, New York is back, baby. So is Rockefeller Center, ice skating in Central Park and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. With the new SUMMIT at One Vanderbilt, there will be plenty to do over Thanksgiving in New York City. The stores on Fifth Avenue and Madison are going to bring the holidays back this year. And the Plaza is open again for pictures by the tree after a traditional Afternoon Tea service at the Palm Court.
